O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 11, ISSUE 541 February 23, 2008 $1.00 GREECE: 1.75 EURO Leadership U.N. Envoy Presents Latest Proposals for FYROM Name Dispute 100 Approve Greece Urges FYROM to Move Forward, $2.9 Million Nimetz Expects Response within Two Weeks By Evan C. Lambrou Republic of Upper Macedonia, and Special to The National Herald that Mr. Nimetz said FYROM could in Grants keep its “constitutional” name for NEW YORK – United Nations Spe- use in domestic and bilateral rela- cial Envoy Matthew Nimetz made tions, while using a composite Announcement Made his long-awaited new proposals name in all its dealings with inter- this week to end a dispute between national organizations and on its at Annual Conference Greece and FYROM over the latter’s citizens’ passports. official name, a thorny issue which Acknowledging that his propos- in Palm Desert, CA has poisoned bilateral relations for al would not overcome all the ob- years and has added to Balkan re- jections of either side, Mr. Nimetz By Theodore Kalmoukos gion’s festering ethnic tensions. asked for a response from each gov- Special to the National Herald Dramatic developments in Ser- ernment within two weeks so that a bia have overshadowed the fester- final solution could be reached be- BOSTON – Leadership 100 ap- ing name dispute, but the U.N.-su- fore the upcoming NATO summit in proved a total of $2.9 million in pervised talks have acquired Romania this April, when the Al- grants for 2008 during its recent greater urgency following the eth- liance will decide whether or not to conference in Palm Desert, Califor- nic Albanian declaration of inde- admit FYROM. nia from February 14-17. More pendence in Kosovo and Greek “I do think that this is a really than 400 members participated in threats to block FYROM’s bid to opportune time to resolve the is- the conference from across the join NATO unless the dispute is re- sue,” he said. “It’s a compromise so- country. solved. lution which does not satisfy either According to Leadership 100’s “The sooner this can be resolved side 100 percent, but overall, I be- official news release, “New grants and the sooner Athens and Skopje lieve it’s a fair, decent, reconciliato- were made primarily to the Greek can work together on mutual issues ry solution that fulfills the expecta- Orthodox Archdiocese, including of security in the region, the better tions of both countries and can lead the Department of Youth and it is for everyone. It would be a to a settlement.” Young Adult Ministries tremendous success for the region Mr. Nimetz also met with Prime ($150,000), Office of Inter-Ortho- and for the two countries to resolve Minister Costas Karamanlis for a dox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Re- this issue,” Mr. Nimetz said after half hour at Maximos Mansion in lations ($250,000 over two years), talks in Athens with senior diplo- Athens this past Wednesday morn- Department of Outreach and Evan- mats from the two countries. ing, February 20. During the meet- gelism for Home Mission Parishes Athens maintains FYROM’s cur- ing, which was also attended by ($105,000), Saint Basil Academy AP/GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY/ANTONIS DOUKAS rent use of the name Macedonia Greek Foreign Minister Dora for ‘The Archpastorate of Archbish- United Nations Envoy Matthew Nimetz, right, shakes hands with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyanni could imply territorial claims on Bakoyanni, the Premier was briefed op Michael’ ($69,300), Center for in Athens this past Tuesday, February 19. The U.N. mediator tabled new proposals to end a thorny dispute the northern Greek province of on the U.N. mediator’s proposals, Family Care (conditional grant of over FYROM’s official name with neighbor Greece. The problem has poisoned bilateral relations for years Macedonia, something the govern- though no statements were made $175,000), the National Forum of and has added to the Balkan region’s woes. ment in Skopje (Skopia) denies. afterwards. Greek Orthodox Church Musicians FYROM is officially referred to ($80,000) and Hellenic at the United Nations and other in- Continued on page 9 College/Holy Cross Greek Ortho- ternational bodies as the Former dox School of Theology ‘Leadership Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. 100 Scholarship Fund’ ($285,000), But more than 100 countries – in- $100,000 for a Family Wellness Dora Meets with Condoleeza on FYROM cluding the United States – have Center in the Metropolis of San recognized it as Macedonia. The WITH THIS ISSUE Franciso, and more than $400,000 By Demetris Tsakas sent Greece’s position on its dispute state to join NATO. Ms. Bakoyanni landlocked state of 2.1 million peo- to departments of the Archdio- Special to The National Herald with future NATO candidate FY- reaffirmed Greece’s position on this ple, a quarter of whom are ethnic cese.” ROM over the latter’s name, as well issue to Secretary Rice and in- Albanians, split peacefully from Yu- Leadership 100 has $67.8 mil- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Greek For- as a series of other bilateral and in- formed her that the Greek Govern- goslavia in 1991. lions in its coffers and total assets eign Minister Dora Bakoyanni’s of- ternational issues. ment would make good on its Mr. Nimetz, a veteran American of $84 million. Chairman George ficial visit to the United States came The most important of these threat to block FYROM’s accession diplomat, refused to reveal any de- Behrakis decided not to seek anoth- to a close last Friday, as Greece’s meetings took place last Thursday, into NATO and the EU if a mutually tails about his proposals, which he er term as chairman. Stephen top diplomat resoundingly reaf- when the Greek Foreign Minister acceptable solution to the name described as “a fair and valid com- Yeonas, who was the Vice-Chair- firmed Greece’s intention to stick to met with U.S. Secretary of State dispute is not previously reached. promise and a dignified solution man succeeded him in the chair- its long stated positions regarding Condoleezza Rice, and other high- The results of this meeting are cur- which, in my view, meets the aspi- manship. the name dispute with its northern ranking U.S. officials. The meeting rently being analyzed by the Greek rations of both countries.” Mr. Behrakis brought up the is- neighbor FYROM. Ms. Bakoyanni was capped off by Ms. Bakoyanni’s Government to determine the posi- The Athens daily Kathimerini re- sue of supporting Hellenic Paideia was in Washington D.C. since last staunch refusal of Secretary Rice’s tion the United States will follow as ported that four of the five pro- and schools, which were not in- Wednesday for a series of meetings overtures that Greece accept a dual the window of opportunity to re- posed names are Democratic Re- cluded among the grants. He sug- with top State Department offi- name solution to end the FYROM solve the name dispute between public of Macedonia, Constitution- gested that all the proceeds from cials, Congressmen and other Gov- name dispute, which would clear al Republic of Macedonia, Indepen- the special drive on the 25th an- ernment officers, seeking to pre- the way for the fledgling Balkan Continued on page 3 dent Republic of Macedonia and niversary of Leadership 100 be giv- en to the schools but no vote was taken and there was no official statement. Archbishop Demetrios, who was also present at the confer- ence, remained speechless on the An Odyssey Papadopoulos pivotal issue of supporting Hellenic Paideia, Culture, and Heritage. Through Story Ousted in First Leadership 100 has never given any grants to Hellenic Paideia and the schools, but only once to the Edu- and Song Round Shock cation Department for the creation of a web page. The lion’s share went again to By Steve Frangos By Menelaos Hadjicostis Hellenic College and Holy Cross Special to the National Herald Associated Press Greek Orthodox School of Theolo- gy. According to the Organization’s The history and experiences of NICOSIA (AP) – Republic of announcement, “Continuing grants Greek Americans West of the Mis- Cyprus President Tassos Pa- for 2008 included $1 million for the sissippi River is getting ready to padopoulos was eliminated in the scholarship fund, $250,000 for a take to the airwaves. As you read first round of Cyprus’ presidential technology infrastructure at the this article, editing and production election, a surprise result signaling are underway for “Greeks Out the start of a renewed drive to end Continued on page 4 West; An Odyssey Through Story the island republic’s decades-old and Song” a multi-part radio series division. to premiere on KGNU Though he had been widely ex- (Boulder/Denver’s community ra- pected to advance to the second dio station) sometime in late 2008. round, Papadopoulos watched his The series will be offered to public slim lead in opinion polls erode in Albanians radio stations nationwide, starting recent weeks. “The people have out west—with the Rocky Moun- judged and decided. Their choice is Euphoric but tain Radio Coalition (www.rmcra- completely respected,” he said, as dio.org) as well as stations in Utah he conceded the election during a and other points west where speech to the Cypriot public. Serbs Defiant Greeks have settled and formed Papadopoulos refused to specu- communities over the last 100 late on the reasons for his shocking years. The series may also be avail- early exit. “It was the judgment and By William J. Cole able for sale from Hellenic organi- TNH/COSTAS BEJ will of the people,” he said, “as it Associated Press zations after its initial airing. The Director of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Andreas Dracopoulos, presents the new look of Yale will be in the second round.” The This entire project is the brain- University's Hellenic Studies Program's website during a presentation announcing a $4 million grant the runoff will be held this coming Sun- PRISTINA (AP) – Revelers fired child of writer/producer Nile Foundation has pledged to the university. Standing to the right is Yale Provost Andy Hamilton. day, February 24. guns into the air, and fireworks lit Southern, who first conceived the Some 516,000 voters, including up the skies over Kosovo after Al- project in 2006 when he learned 390 Turkish Cypriots living in the banian Kosovars proclaimed their that the Greek Assumption Cathe- south, were registered to vote in independence last Sunday, Febru- dral in Denver was celebrating its last Sunday’s election, and turnout ary 17, defying Serbia and Russia, 100th Anniversary. Southern wast- Niarchos Gives $4 Million Grant to Yale was more than 89 percent, accord- and the objections of at least seven ed no time applying for and receiv- ing to election authorities. Voting is other countries, by declaring they ing a $7,000 grant from National By Demetris Tsakas offered the funding, but the true are related not only to the quality compulsory in Cyprus. are the world’s newest nation. Endowment for the Humanities af- Special to The National Herald heroes are the faculty and students of its courses, but also to the con- Final results showed former For- Across Pristina, revelers danced filiate Colorado Humanities for this who contributed their utmost to en- ferences, seminars, lectures and ac- eign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides in the streets, set off firecrackers project. Southern was immediately NEW YORK – Andreas Dracopou- sure that this grant would take tivities it organizes both onsite at with a very slight lead, only 33.51 and honked car horns in jubilation. faced with not only researching the los, a Board Member of The Stavros root,” Mr. Dracopoulos said. the Yale campus as well as in percent compared to 33.29 percent Ninety percent of Kosovo’s 2 project, contacting and interview- Niarchos Foundation was on hand Yale University Provost Andy Greece. for Cypriot House of Representa- million people are now ethnic Alba- ing various Greek Americans for in- for an event organized this past Hamilton, who was also in atten- Following the addresses, the au- tives Speaker Communist Party nians – most of them secular Mus- clusion in the program but with al- Monday evening at Yale University dance, praised the Hellenic Studies dience saw a screening of the docu- (AKEL) Chairman Demetris lims – who see no reason to stay so raising an additional $3,500, as to celebrate the finalization of a $4 Program for its contribution to the mentary “The Journey: The Greek Christofias. Papadopoulos was joined to the rest of Orthodox part of the Endowment’s required million grant which SNF approved academic community and hailed American Dream,” by director close behind with 31.79 percent. Christian Serbia. matching grant. Through dona- for the Ivy League University’s Hel- SNF for their continued generosity Maria Iliou and Greek American Supporters of both Christofias and Kosovo had formally remained a tions from Boulder based Greek lenic Studies Program – whose cre- in sponsoring the program. historian Alexander Kitroeff. Prior Kasoulides spilled out onto the business owners, and a contribu- ation it also funded back in 2001 – Greece’s Consul General in New to the screening, George Tselos, streets, cheering, honking car Continued on page 12 tion from his Greek wife, the in memory of the late Maria Dra- York Aghi Balta, Dr. Ian Shapiro, Head of Reference Services at the horns and waving Cypriot as well matching funds were met, and the copoulou. “I would like to thank Director of the Yale University Cen- Statue of Liberty National Monu- as a few Greek flags. project was on its way. everyone who contributed to the ter for International and Area Stud- ment and Ellis Island Immigration “This election marked a change To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 THE PROJECT success of the pilot Hellenic Studies ies, Yale faculty members, and stu- Museum spoke about the docu- in the political landscape,” said e-mail: “The Denver Church's appeal for Program, which has translated into dents from the Hellenic Studies mentary, along with Professor Joseph Joseph, a political science [email protected] photographs and memories got me a permanent collaboration be- Program, as well as many represen- George Syrimis. professor at the University of to thinking,” Southern says, “About tween The Stavros Niarchos Foun- tatives from the local Greek Ameri- Dr. Stathis Kalyvas, who serves Cyprus. this rich history that not many of us dation and Yale University. I would can Community of Connecticut as Co-Director of the Hellenic Stud- The election had been billed as a appreciate—much of it tied to the like to thank Professors John came out to join in this celebration. ies Program, together with his col- verdict on center-right Papadopou- early mining days and railroad la- Geanakopoulos, Stathis Kalyvas, Dr. Hamilton conveyed the league Dr. John Geanakopoulos, los, 74, and his handling of the is- bor.” Ongoing field research has in- George Syrimis, Maria Kaliambou, heartfelt greetings of Yale President noted that “the program began sev- land’s division. Urged by Pa- volved phone and location inter- and Giorgos Antoniou for the ef- Richard C. Levin, and proceeded to en years ago and the decision of the padopoulos, Greek Cypriot voters forts they made towards the real- speak about the successes of the Continued on page 7 ization of this mutual dream. We Hellenic Studies Program, which Continued on page 5 Continued on page 9 THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 23, 2008 FEATURE 5

TNH/COSTAS BEJ TNH/COSTAS BEJ St. Gerasimos Fundraiser St. Charalambos Day

St. Gerasimos Church in Manhattan held a fundraiser on Sunday, February 17, 2008 to raise money for the The Mikrasiatikos Society of Chios celebrated the feast day of its patron saint, St. Charalmbos in Corona, church. After the Divine Liturgy, parishioners met for thei traditional meal that helped raise money. St. New York. After a ceremony at Transfiguration Church, coffee was served in the community center. Pic- Gerasimos Church is nestled on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on 105th Street between Amsterdam and tured above are parish council president George Epitropakis, parish secretary George Fotakis, John Fo- Columbus Avenues. Pictured above (from left): Dimitris Georgopoulos, Valsamakis Sclavounos, Dionysis takis, Chris Bitantos, Peter Apotsos, Michael Apotsos, John Georgiades, George Ploumis and other mem- Kourkoumelis, Aris Sclavounos, Spyros Vikatous and Gerasimos Andreatos. bers of the Society. St. Charalambos’ Fest Day is on February 10. Niarchos Foundation Finalizes $4 Million Grant for Yale’s Hellenic Studies Program

Continued from page 1 nancial backing from the Niarchos Foundation. Without this support, Stavros Niarchos Foundation to of- we would be unable to put together fer Yale’s Hellenic Studies Program concerts with top performers like a grant played a key role in our ad- Maria Farantouri, Alkistis Protop- vancement. The fact that Greece is salti and Nikos Xydakis. These con- entering one of the most presti- certs cannot be funded by student gious educational institutions not tuitions alone. They need the cul- only in the United States but the tural vision of an institution like the entire world in such a dynamic way Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is a great success, and gives us the which takes the issue of education- opportunity to promote Greece in a al and cultural contribution seri- way that was not so easy to do in ously,” he said. the past.” The Cypriot born Associate When asked how the grant will Chair of Yale’s Hellenic Studies Pro- be allocated, Dr. Kalyvas said that gram also pointed out that the pro- the four million dollars will be used gram does not only service the as an endowment, and that the Hel- needs of Yale students, but offers a lenic Studies Program will be fund- public service to the local Greek ed by the interest from this amount, Community. “Our program offers along with funds that the University courses in language, history, litera- administration pledged to give af- ture, and culture. Registration runs ter the grant was announced. between 20-30 students. It also or- Dr. Kalyvas spoke about student ganizes lectures, panel discussions, interest, and pointed out that the and other events which foreign stu- summer classes which the Hellenic dents from Greece who do not need Studies Program offers in Greece to take language classes can attend. attract a large number of students. Therefore, aside from the 20-30 “When they return, they take class- students who attend a course, there es in Greek history, and later follow are scores of students who attend up with classes in Greek language the many events our program of- and culture. Therefore, we do not fers, like conferences, speeches, operate on the isolated practices concerts, etc.,” he said. and activities that one particular “I consider us lucky to have had professor may use, but there is a ABOVE: The Stavros Niarchos an opportunity to work together whole entire web of interlocking ac- Foundation finalized a $4 million with this Foundation, because we tivities, which affords us the oppor- grant for Yale University’s Hel- simultaneously received total free- tunity to realize our dreams and of- lenic Studies Program. The Foun- dom of choice with regards to the fer services to students, the univer- dation’s Director, Andreas Dra- direction of our program and full sity and the community,” he said. copoulos (second from right) support from the foundation at the “Now that we have received this speaks to guests after the an- same time,” Dr. Syrimis said. latest grant from the Niarchos nouncement. RIGHT: Professor Dr. Maria Kaliambou said that “I Foundation, we will be able to bring Gus Ranis, Jan Shapiro, Stathis am very happy that this program over visiting professors, who either Kalyvas, John Geanakoplos, Maria has established itself and we can all come to do research or lecture. Pro- Kaliambou, Andy Hamilton, Mr. work to realize its full potential and fessor Manolis Karagiannis, who Dracopoulos, Greek Consul Gen- give students the opportunity to will be giving a lecture in this very eral Agi Balta and George Syrimis. learn Greek and familiarize them- hall this Thursday, has come to the selves with our country. We have United States to conduct research more as an effort that will stand the very good colleagues and the stu- within the parameters of this test of time.” dents are very nice. It is great work- framework,” Dr. Kalyvas added. When asked if Yale received oth- ing here,” she said. The Hellenic Studies Program er donations from Greek Ameri- Nicki Stelin-Hesberg, an Ameri- Co-Director commented that there cans, Dr. Kalyvas replied that there can student involved in the Hellenic were over ten Greek and Greek were other donations coming in, Studies Program, commented that American faculty members teach- but clarified they were smaller and she visited Greece last summer ing at Yale, in field involving both come from Greek Americans who thanks to a study abroad opportuni- the Arts and Sciences. “The ap- have personal ties to Yale. More- ty offered by SNF. “I am grateful proach taken by the Niarchos Foun- over, he explained, these funds are that I was given an opportunity to dation is very interesting. It initially set aside for particular projects, like visit Greece for two months and fa- allocated some funds for a pilot supporting the university library, or miliarize myself with the Greek lan- program, and after six years of test- creating some sort of award, which guage. I love the Hellenic Studies ing the program, only now did it fi- will carry on their family legacy. Program because we have great nally decide to proceed with this The Associate Chair of the Hel- professors like Maria who help us major donation; after it became lenic Studies Program Dr. George ulty and students, we have that we can continue our work. We praised all the Hellenic Studies Pro- learn Greek,” she said. certain that its funds would be well Syrimis added that “every major achieved something very important hope that we will continue as we grams in the U.S. and Canada on Ms. Stelin-Hesberg said that she spent and the program would work needs a very strong founda- for Greek Studies in the United have up until today and enjoy the the excellent work they are doing. started learning Greek last year, progress. This is proof of exactly tion, and thanks to its original States.” support of the public and students “Each program tries to progress by and that her two-month stay in how serious the Niarchos Founda- grant, the Niarchos Foundation laid Dr. Syrimis also added that “we in the future as well, so we can making full use of the statutes and Greece played a major role in help- tion takes this matter. By the same a very strong foundation which we are grateful to the Niarchos Foun- bring Greece and the U.S. as close finances that are at its disposal. We ing her better learn the language. “I token, Yale does not view this as an have been building upon over the dation for their vision to set up this together as possible.” are one of the most successful pro- love Greece and I can hardly wait to opportunistic relationship, but past six years. With the help of fac- program at Yale, and we are happy Furthermore, Dr. Syrimis grams because we received this fi- go again,” she said.

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